How many times have you seen them live?

Subject: How many times have you seen them live? Wed Nov 11, 2009 8:13 am

I'm ashamed to admit I have only seen them play once. It was in October this year on a rainy saturday night, over at a venue called Strand in the most southwestern part of Stockholm's inner city. It was a saturday club gig, so lots of drinking, dancing, jumping and such. Band came on and played a short, intense and beautiful set with no real surprises in the setlist. The biggest surprise was the addition of the lovely and talented Britta Persson as background singer (TA-C said her biggest asset is that the band can pronounce her name as "British person", ha, ha). Me and my girl-friends positioned ourselves close to the right part of the stage, in order to be able to swoon over Gavin Dunbar and Kenny McKeeve properly. Similarily, a few of my boyish friends had positioned themselves close to the left part of the stage, intent on swooning over Mrs Lander. All in all it was a fun gig with an ecstatic crowd and a band in top form. It was a bit special for me because I've been listening to them for quite a while, but never gotten around to see one of their gigs until now. How many times have you seen them live?

BTW, I'm delighted that they have started playing Pen & Notebook live.

Subject: Re: How many times have you seen them live? Wed Nov 11, 2009 10:39 am

i do indeed,i saw them on their comeback tour recently,it was supposed to be a one off but i believe they are coming around again in late november...still very good live....we were discussing the merits of paul simpsons voice in the pub last night,i am a fan..and of ian broudie`s catchy little melodies...the first 3 care singles are ace as is the legendary revolutionary spirit 12".........

Subject: Re: How many times have you seen them live? Wed Nov 11, 2009 10:50 am

Paul Simpson's got a great voice, and showing my age, I was into The Wild Swans when they first released Revolutionary Spirit and was sorely disappointed when they split up. I was very happy when they released Incandescent a few years ago which had their early sessions. Thanks, I didn't realise they were on tour, must investigate!

Subject: Re: How many times have you seen them live? Wed Nov 11, 2009 11:24 am

I've seen Camera Obscura live 6 times now every show has been brilliant. My favourite so far was when they played a one-off gig at Glasgow ABC as part of Celtic Connections festival they played songs I've never heard since live including I Love My Jean, Happy New Year, Super Trouper and I Don't Do Crowds plus all the usual great songs.I also went to see Tracyanne play with a band called The Johnny 7 at a charity event in Glasgow where she sung a bossanova version of Tears For Affairs and Some Guys Have All The Luck that was cool as well.

so... I guess it's been 11 so far. Will be seeing probably 2 more gigs in a couple of weeks.

I don't know that there are really stand-out favorites. They were all great. The first gig I saw was great, but I remember it being really hot in there and I had to hold my heavy winter coat the whole gig. Wasn't up front. The second gig I saw (at Bowery) I wasn't up front either, and had a too few many bevvies. Don't really remember it too well.

The Warsaw show in Brooklyn was fantastic. First show I got the setlist from (I think)... they played some rarities... like "Lemon Juice and Paper Cuts". And it's a cool venue. Doubles as the Brooklyn Polish National Home. But that Boston gig a few days later might be my favorite. Kickass setlist. They did "San Francisco Song" by request. We made a lot of the locals mad at us because I guess my group was a little too enthusiastic. My girlfriend wandered backstage after the show and that was our first real meeting with TAC.

The shows this year have been terrific. So far in New York, they've played a 150 capacity venue (Mercury Lounge) and a 1,500 capacity venue (Webster Hall). Both were great gigs. Can't wait for the Music Hall of Williamsburg show in a couple of Sundays!

Last edited by derek on Tue Nov 24, 2009 12:46 pm; edited 1 time in total

Subject: Re: How many times have you seen them live? Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:21 am

I've seen them 9 times now:Sonar in Baltimore in 2007, excellent sound at that venueTLA in Philadelphia in 2007The 5 shows at SXSW 2009, the French Legation show being my fav due to the excellent sound there (not too much bass and clear vocals).And the Carrboro show at Cat's Cradle and the DC show at the 930 Club (awesome sound at the 930 too). I took a pic of the outside of the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta and the postponed show, but that's cool considering the circumstances.

That's about 6500 miles of driving so far, so yeah I'm a bit of a fan.

Subject: Re: How many times have you seen them live? Thu Nov 19, 2009 11:40 am

ahh - you guys are too lucky! I've only seen them once!! ...but it will be twice by the end of next week - cant wait! I was introduced to the band just before LGOOTC was released but missed seeing them for the two tours of us/can that they did for that album (like a stupid..never looked up tour dates assuming they only toured europe ) doing what i can now to rectify that tho! tony

Subject: Re: How many times have you seen them live? Tue Dec 08, 2009 12:08 am

Hi Julie

I've seen the 4 times - and all in this year.

I'd heard of CO and heard their earlier stuff years ago but it didn't grab me and I'd dismissed them outta hand. Maybe getting older and your tastes change ever so slightly ? I like the early stuff now, but didn't like the Male vocal.

TAC grabbed my attention with French Navy. In fact I stood in my trax.

Made an effort to check them out at Scotlands biggest festival - T in the Park '09, and tears were rolling down my cheeks by the 4th song - not because the songs were sad, more because how beautiful the music was, it was perfect clever emotional pop, with 1st class musicianship, tunes, melodies and that beautiful vocal. Did Kilmarnock Edition festival, small affair, maybe 200 max, met TAC, told her I was going to Berlin which coincided with 1 of their dates (great gig btw), and then did Glasgow Barras ( Dissapointing - poor sound, and the band were fooked )

But CO have been played almost exclusively in this house since, and are on the radar in my all time top 3 if not #1 band

looks like Tom still beats me and Graeme is probably tied. I kept friggen missing them when they were touring for "Underachievers...". And I was unemployed much of that time as well... so didn't really see many shows around that time. And when I WAS working, I didn't have time to go!

Subject: Re: How many times have you seen them live? Wed Jan 20, 2010 10:49 pm

Gahhhh! Browser just crashed halfway through my reply ... NOOOOO!!!

In short,I first caught them at the Belle and Sebastian School's Out free gig at Kelvingrove Park 12/6/04 ... due to there being no bar, we had to dash away for a carry out of beers so missed a bit of their set. (annoying, as I'd heard good things and was curious to see them) but what I did see sounded pretty good. I was thinking though, 'Hm, that singer's bonkers ... and her nervy backchat's really annoying. I think maybe I love her.'

My Road to Damascus moment came when Lloyd was played unintroduced on Steve Lamacq's 6music show one afternoon, a few weeks' before release. Within 25 seconds I was thinking, 'This is one of the best records ever made. Why I have not heard it before? is it from 1986? Is it new?' So when Lamacq explained it was Camera Obscura you could have knocked me down with a feather. So that was me a fan.

Gigs since then:

GLASGOW, QUEEN MARGARET UNION, 17/6/06Introduced on stage by former Scotland footballer and indie fan Pat Nevin and ending with a cover of Sheena's 'Modern Girl'. We were front row of the balcony. One of the best gigs I've ever seen. Glasvegas were support but this washed over me I must admit!

EDINBURGH, PRINCES STREET GARDENS, 27/8/06 (supporting Belle & Sebastian)I remember much running to the park for this open air gig as we were running late and I didn't want to miss anything.

GLASGOW, ABC1, 21/4/07I remember being absolutely open-mouthed at the performance of Razzle Dazzle Rose at this. They had run out of T-shirts in my size at the end I remember!

GLASGOW, ABC1, 27/1/08Or maybe the above was this gig!

CONNECT FESTIVAL, KINROSS, ONE OF THE WETTEST PLACES IN THE UK AND HENCE A GREAT CHOICE FOR A FUCKING FESTIVAL 29/8/08Saw the Obscura in the afternoon and recall standing teetering on a half brick embedded in the already sodden grass. The rains came and the thing turned into a mudbath. I swore never to attend a UK outdoor festival again and haven't since.

GLASGOW, BARROWLANDS, 26/4/09Girlfriend being odd at this one - little did I know she'd end the relationship within a month. So, mixed memories of this one although it was triumphant for the band obviously! Break-up loomed ... and only then would I understand the true power of the Obscura!

KILMARNOCK EDITION FESTIVAL, 8/8/09 (supporting LLOYD COLE)Yeah I know what I said about festivals but it was supposed to be very small and exclusive. In fact it was wonderful. About 500 people on a lovely summer's evening standing in a castle courtyard and we could all get just far too close to the band onstage! It was daylight - they could see us! They were probably quite scared. Lloyd was good too.

MORECAMBE LIBRARY, 26/10/09I'll never see them play a gig to 200 people again. Very special if surreal. There was a version of Books Written For Girls that was, in Tracyanne's words; "Jazzy!" I can remember leaving and reading on Twitter that the band were having a cream cracker eating contest backstage!

GLASGOW, BARROWLANDS, 29/10/09Right down the front pretty much and it was an utter triumph for them. Standing at Carey's side of the stage. I mean you have to don't you?

Just nine times proper? Poor show! Pissed off I stupidly didn't bother with the Mono open air thing in 2008 - wasn't sure if they would play that long a set or if it might rain. Foole!

Subject: Re: How many times have you seen them live? Tue Feb 02, 2010 12:19 am

TracyanneLovesTheGers wrote:

KILMARNOCK EDITION FESTIVAL, 8/8/09 (supporting LLOYD COLE)Yeah I know what I said about festivals but it was supposed to be very small and exclusive. In fact it was wonderful. About 500 people on a lovely summer's evening standing in a castle courtyard and we could all get just far too close to the band onstage! It was daylight - they could see us! They were probably quite scared. Lloyd was good too.

GLASGOW, BARROWLANDS, 29/10/09Right down the front pretty much and it was an utter triumph for them. Standing at Carey's side of the stage. I mean you have to don't you?

Kilmarnock was good, very intimate, I'm not good at judging size, but 500 ? Seemed a lot smaller to me for some reason, and I met our wee girl after the gig, she is so cute close up, and those big blue eyes just make you melt ? There is a video of this gig, or at least 1 song recorded, I'll try and find it for you. there was a really tall dark haired guy in the crowd. TAC said "This is our last song, but I bet your all here for Lloyd anyway? " Big guy says "Noooo! We are just here for you Tracyanne!", crowd seemed to agree. Tracey smiles, then they rip into RazzleDazzleRose. Sweet

Maybe it was me that was tired, but I got the impression the Band were tired at Barrowlands. It wasn't really a Sell-Out and although full enough, I witnessed what Dr.K had posted some time ago, a lot of peeps wanting some space and a bit of quiet to hear the band. I thought it was too big for them, having seen some great nights at the Barras with other Bands - I can't call this a "Classic" for me personally. The "Banter" was good though.

Subject: Re: How many times have you seen them live? Tue Feb 02, 2010 12:29 am

Pete wrote:

Kilmarnock was good, very intimate, I'm not good at judging size, but 500 ? Seemed a lot smaller to me for some reason,

You could be right I suppose. But by the time Lloyd Cold (sic) came on I'd say it was 500?

Pete wrote:

and I met our wee girl after the gig, she is so cute close up, and those big blue eyes just make you melt ?

I will not be drawn on their melting quality, you big stalker!

Pete wrote:

There is a video of this gig, or at least 1 song recorded, I'll try and find it for you.

That's Ok, I saw it as soon as it went up on You Tube the day after the gig!

Pete wrote:

there was a really tall dark haired guy in the crowd. TAC said "This is our last song, but I bet your all here for Lloyd anyway? " Big guy says "Noooo! We are just here for you Tracyanne!", crowd seemed to agree. Tracey smiles, then they rip into RazzleDazzleRose. Sweet

Ah, now what I think was said was:

TC: This is our last song, but I bet you're all here for Lloyd anyway?BIG MAN: Noooo! We want to see you Tracyanne!TC: Well, Tracyanne wants to see Lloyd, so this is the last song.

And no, it wisnae me!

Pete wrote:

Maybe it was me that was tired, but I got the impression the Band were tired at Barrowlands. It wasn't really a Sell-Out and although full enough,

I was down the front. As far as I was concerned it was just me there!

Pete wrote:

Hopefully, we will get a gig at King Tuts sometimes this year -

SNORT! Actually, that's the sort of thing that would make that diva of droll, Carey Lander, say summat like: "Who knows what our career trajectory may bring?"

Subject: Re: How many times have you seen them live? Tue Feb 02, 2010 11:07 am

Nothing wrong with doing a small gig? I've seen some big bands play in the Tuts. It's also their 20th anniversary so they are trying to do a lot of special gigs this year with some "big bands" planned - so who knows ?

http://www.kingtuts.co.uk/ I see Spoon and White Rabbits are playing in a couple of weeks.

The Barrowlands holds just under 2000, which kinda surprises me, I always thought it was much bigger, its a special place but I personally don't think CO music works well at these "big" gigs. Anything betweens King Tuts and the ABC, or maybe the Gargage, would be ideal for me.

Had to laugh at this bit, T in the Park, our biggest festival is held here FFS ! Skins waterproof mate, it has to be in Scotland

CONNECT FESTIVAL, KINROSS, ONE OF THE WETTEST PLACES IN THE UK AND HENCE A GREAT CHOICE FOR A FUCKING FESTIVAL 29/8/08Saw the Obscura in the afternoon and recall standing teetering on a half brick embedded in the already sodden grass. The rains came and the thing turned into a mudbath. I swore never to attend a UK outdoor festival again and haven't since.

Subject: Re: How many times have you seen them live? Wed Sep 29, 2010 6:54 pm

well.. we have some new people here now and wanted to update my list of live shows as well so why not revive this ol thread?!

my wife and i have seen them 3 times now..

Jun 27 2009 at Lee's Palace in Toronto, ONthe place was a dump and really hot but the show was absolutely fantastic.. got to talk to Tracyanne and Carey after the show and got my cd autographed (unfortunately Gavin was not there due to a death in the family)

Nov 26 2009 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre again in Torontomuch better theatre-like venue with amazing sound.. got pretty drunk and danced like idiots at the show but highlight was running into the whole band prior to the show.. we were walking down the street and they were just looking for something to eat so tried (but failed) not to annoy them

went on Jun 6th 2010 to the Brooklyn Flea in NYC but missed the damn show... did get to talk Lee's ear off for half-hour or so, ate some Honey In the Sun ice cream and got pics with TracyanneJun 7th 2010 got to see them play at the Manhattan Center and was a pretty solid show.. hightlight was them playing Suspended which we requested at the Ice Cream Social.. dont know if she already had it on the list but she said she didnt when we asked - aint it great how they listen to us fans?!

anyhow, theres my measly 3 shows with hopefully a whole slew to add in 2011! i'd like to see Nigel play and i still need to chat it up with Kenny n Gavin over a pint.. oh and get Gavin's (he doesnt sign his name, he gives an...) autograph.. tony

Subject: Re: How many times have you seen them live? Thu Sep 30, 2010 3:15 pm

we`ll always be here i think......erm aint bought me b&s ticket yet,i must..really lookin forward to the album,its bin leaked like but i`m hangin back............c/o are in the airport,nigel is tuckin into some susshi...its a far ways to go for a festival....

I've been spending half the yearIn a plane going up and downYou've been seeing other people from a nearby townBeen obsessing and getting depressed about usExcess baggage and other stupid band stuff

Subject: Re: How many times have you seen them live? Thu Sep 30, 2010 3:16 pm

we`ll always be here i think......erm aint bought me b&s ticket yet,i must..really lookin forward to the album,its bin leaked like but i`m hangin back............c/o are in the airport,nigel is tuckin into some sushi...its a far ways to go for a festival....

I've been spending half the yearIn a plane going up and downYou've been seeing other people from a nearby townBeen obsessing and getting depressed about usExcess baggage and other stupid band stuff